FAQs

Q: I'm new to swing dancing. Where do I
start?
A: Welcome! You're in the right place. Check out our How It Works
page for a detailed description of our class progression and
which class to start with.

Q: Do I need any dance experience to take classes or
attend social dances?
A: None whatsoever! Most often we teach people with no previous
dance experience. If you're interested in weekly group classes, our
Swing 1: Intro to
Swing is the best way to get started. Or, stop by our weekly
social dance where we offer a quick crash course for new
attendees. We also teach free 1-hour beginner lessons before all of
our monthly dances. There are plenty of opportunities to
learn!

Q: Do I need a partner to take classes or attend social
dances?
A: You do not need a partner for either. However, you are welcome
to bring one. In our classes, we rotate partners often. This gives
everyone a chance to meet new people and also experience how
everyone leads and follows differently. It is easy to develop bad
habits when dancing with only one person.

Q: What if I do have a partner and we want to work
together. Do we have to rotate?
A: We highly suggest rotating partners in classes so that you
don't develop bad dancing habits. You will learn faster and also
get to meet new people if you rotate! However, we will not force
you to rotate if you wish to only work with the partner you
brought.

Q: If I have taken some basic swing dance classes before,
where should I start?
A: Since many dance schools teach swing differently, we recommend
you start from the beginning with us by taking our Swing 1: Intro to
Swing class and go from there. There is no harm in going
back to basics! However, if you feel you would like to start at a
higher level, please email us for an evaluation.

Q: What kind of shoes are appropriate?
A: In general, as long as your shoes don't have extra grip or
traction on the bottom you'll probably be fine. We're lucky to have
a very nice, slick wood floor at our regular venue (the Historic
German House) so most shoes will allow you to move and pivot
easily. We also recommend not starting out in heels. Popular shoes
for swing dancers include Keds, which have a smooth rubber sole, or
shoes with suede or hard leather bottoms. Check out dancestore.com for a
great selection of swing dance shoes.

Q: What type of attire is appropriate for lessons and
social dances?
For our classes and weekly dances, casual and comfortable clothing
is recommended. Many people wear jeans and t-shirts. You don't want
your clothes to be too restricting.
For our monthly dances we like to get
a little dressed up! Many of our dances have themes (like the
roaring 20s and masquerade balls), but in general we try to look
nice, like the dancers back at the Savoy Ballroom did! However,
there is no dress code enforced, so ultimately it is what you feel
best in.

Q: What types of dances do you teach?
A: Groove Juice Swing offers classes in many dance styles,
including 6-count swing (or "East Coast Swing"), Lindy Hop,
Charleston, Balboa, Blues, Solo Line Dances (Shim Sham, Big Apple,
etc.) and even Soul Dancing. We try to stay as authentic as
possible - dancing (for the most part) the way they did back in the
1920s-1940s.

Q: How physically demanding are these
dances?
A: You do not need to be in great physical shape to take our
classes, but you will get a slight workout from them! If you are
able to go for a short, light jog, you'll do fine in our
classes.

Q: The registration forms ask me if I am a leader or a
follower - which am I?
A: Typically, men are the leaders and women are the followers.
However, we have many people pick the alternate role or even do
both!

Q: When I see videos of swing dancing, there are all sorts
of tricks, jumps and flips. Will we be doing these?
A: We call these kinds of moves aerials, or air-steps, and no, we
will not be doing them in our classes or at social dances. In fact,
we have a strict no aerials policy at the ballroom. While these
steps are certainly fun to watch and are a part of the dance, they
are only used for performance and competition. Also, only
experienced dancers execute them after training with professionals
and proper safety technique.

Q: How long does it take to get good at these
dances?
A: It depends! You will be able to get out on the social dance
floor after just one lesson. After a few months you will be
swinging out with more confidence and ease. If you want to master
the dance, that can take several years. It all depends on how much
you dedicate yourself to the dance, practice, and travel to
workshops and events.

Q: What age groups typically attend classes and social
dances?
A: While many of our students are college-age or young
professionals, we also get a fair amount of middle-age dancers, and
even retirees and high school students.

Q: Do you allow drop-ins students for
classes?
A: For most of our classes we do not allow drop-in students. You
must register and pay for all four weeks of the session before it
begins. However, there are some classes (like Cardio
Charleston) where we allow drop-in students, and it will be
noted on registration page for that class.

Q: Do you offer private lessons?
A: Instructors are available for private and small group lessons.
Please email us
if you are interested. Prices vary based on number of students and
instructors.

Q: What is your make-up policy?
A: If you need to miss a class, please email us to arrange a
30-minute make-up class. We must charge a small fee for the
instructor's time and effort, but we try to keep it
affordable.

Q: What's your refund policy?
A: Refunds on class registrations may be issued at the
instructors' discretion before the start of the first class.
Refunds for online payments will only be considered up to 30 days
after payment is received. Please email us for clarification or
questions.

More Information

Private lessons

Interested in a private or small group lesson?

Would you like a one-on-one lesson with Groove Juice Swing's
teachers? Are you and a friend looking to get some personal advice
to benefit your dancing? We are available for private or small
group lessons! Please contact us for more information by sending
email to info@groovejuiceswing.com.

Performances & Group Lessons

We'd love to perform at your special event! Whether a wedding,
1920s-themed event, or private party, we can work with you to find
appropriate entertainment and lessons. Please contact us for
more information by sending email to info@groovejuiceswing.com.

Testimonial:

"I wanted to thank you guys so much for the amazing job
you did at our wedding party the other night. We couldn't have been
happier with the instruction - both instructors were so energetic
and lively and totally infectious - I know at least one of our
guest couples were so excited, they have signed up for classes with
you! We hope to join them in the near future :)
"

About Us

Groove Juice Swing, established in 2004, is based in Rochester, NY and specializes in Lindy Hop, the original form of swing dance from the 1920s and 1930s. Groove Juice Swing offers dance classes, weekly social dances, live band dance events, performances, and dance workshops throughout the year. Staff members and instructors are passionate about all things Lindy Hop, traveling all over the world to compete against and learn from the very best Lindy Hoppers. They bring that same commitment and enthusiasm to the dance community in Rochester.